During the Second World War, soldiers often had ample time, and
itelligence information, to plan for an enemy's attack. Also, they had to
the benefit of being able to build extensive fortifications with the help
of heavy equipment. In reenacting, however, it is rare that we can build
heavy fortifications due to site digging restrictions and the lack of
implements. Also, we sometimes have little time to prepare to receive
attacks since we often see an enemy coming in the distance only moments
before they arrive.

In order to overcome the loss of these normally reliable aids to a
defense, the Gruppenfuhrer (squad leader) can use several tactics to his
advantage. First, stay out of sight. In many cases, a defense has to be
erected after meeting an enemy, especially when it is a superior force. In
order to stay out of sight after contact has been made, simply drop back
to a good position that is out of sight of the enemy. Usually, an
unexpected brush with an enemy force will surprise them as much as you.
Use their confusion to your advantage and pull back to a good spot and let
them come to you.
Once the enemy is out of sight, you can then begin your defense. The
German tactical manual proscribes a skirmish line for defenses by squads.
We will stick with this method as it is also effective for reenactment
battles. The ground you choose should be as open as possible in the front.
Also, there should be obstacles on the flanks that will either prohibit
the enemy from passing through or will slow the enemy enough so that only
one man needs to be covering each flank. Also, if time permits, you can
fortify your position so that the enemy will be slowed while within your
fields of fire. Fallen branches are usually easy to move and often slow
the enemy's movements since most reenactors choose to go around obstacles
of this kind. Finally, choose high or level ground as low ground will cost
you your squad rather quickly.

Once the best ground available is found, you can now position the men of
the squad. In doing so, take into consideration the equipment available.
Unlike the assault, grenades are not essential to a hasty defense. More
important to holding a position is rapid fire. If you have an MG at your
disposal, then it should be your #1 asset. The rest of the squad can act
as schutzen (riflemen) unless you are just set on the idea of having an
asst MG'er. Analyze the approaches in front of your position. The enemy
will usually come by the easiest path. If you have just fallen back into
your position, the enemy may well take the same path you just did, prepare
for this contingency. Assign ample fire coverage for all avenues of
approach while ensuring that the MG, or most rapid fire element available,
has the largest schussfeld (field of fire) in the squad. Make sure that
your flanks are covered. Ideally, one man can cover each flank with his
Mauser while still being able to fire to the front of the position.

Once you have assigned areas to each of your men, you (or they depending
on time) should choose their individual fighting positions. The
Gruppenfuhrer ,or soldier, should select a position that is as hidden from
the enemy as possible. To do this, one must first understand the line of
sight principle. Briefly, it states that the human eye translates large
objects (treelines, ridges, etc) into simple planes to help process
information. This means that it is difficult for humans to see objects
that lie behind the first row of trees in a forest, or objects behind a
ridge. This means that soldiers should be positioned directly behind
objects that will break up the lines of the enemy's sight. Example:
instead of hiding behind a tree that is the in the first line of woods,
move to the second row. The enemy will see the first row very easily and
will not be able to see clearly into the second line. This is why seeing
is so difficult in the woods. Use this to your advantage! Next, soldiers
should remember to always stay in the shadows while fighting. This makes a
huge difference. Never be in the sunlight when there are shadows
available. This principle, coupled with distorting the enemy's line of
sight can, at times, make soldiers nearly invisible, even in relatively
open spaces.

After the soldiers have been placed, they should then choose two alternate
fighting positions that are within bounding distance of each other
(remember 3 seconds per bound.) Be sure to remember the shadows and line
of sight rule for all three positions. Also make certain that the
positions you choose do not compromise the necessary fields of fire that
the Gruppenfuhrer expects to be covered. The three positions should form a
triangle with two positions forward towards the enemy. The third position
should be in rear of the first two. During combat bound from the front
position to the rear position before moving up to the other front
position. This serves to confuse the enemy about your position and number
during the firfight. The MG is also advised to select alternate positions
since MG's tend to attract lots of enemy fire. But, the MG'er should
decide whether or not to expose himself, even briefly, for the benefit of
a better position.
With the men positioned, the squad should be ready to fight. As the enemy
approaches, the Gruppenfuhrer must decide whether or not to set a long
firing range, or a short firing range for his squad. The long firing range
will see his men firing at the enemy almost as soon as the enemy targets
appear. This usually causes the enemy to haul ass and try to reassess
their advance. Very few casualties are caused by defending squads that
fire long distances. Although, setting a long firing range often helps to
slow an enemy's advance since they usually do not get a detailed idea
about your position and whereabouts. Alternately, the Gruppenfuhrer can
set a short firing range and allow the enemy to close before firing. This
is somewhat more dangerous as it allows the enemy more of a chance of
seeing the squad before they are fired upon. If they come too close, there
is the further danger that they will be able to storm your position before
your sqaud's fire can take sufficient effect. This danger comes with the
balance that it tends to yield more casualties from the enemy and may even
open an opportunity for a counter-attack.

Once the enemy has gotten over its initial shock of having found you
(possibly again,) they will either come back, go away, or go around. Very
few reenactos even attempt to bypass a position, and most are too
foolhardy to realize when they should and shouldn't attack, so prepare for
a fire-fight. If you have chosen to fire on the enemy from a distance, use
the short respite you will get to move your MG to the best spot to fire on
the enemy now that you know where they are, more or less. Once they
reappear, maintain a steady fire with your schutzen and issue a few
sporadic bursts with your MG when the opportunity is right. This kind of
fire will no doubt help bring reinforcements your way since no one in
their right mind wants to miss a fire-fight.
If the enemy is close to your position when you first open on them, you
won't get a break after they learn of your presence. Now is the time to
use the few grenades you have and then open on them with everything you
have. If they have been depleted and don't appear to have immediate
support, counter-attack, take your prisoners, and get back into your
positions. In either case, long or short, the schutzen should be
periodically bounding from position to position. They should further be
firing as steadily as possible. If you are worried about the $$$ of all
those shells, just remember that if you think like a nerdy accountant, you
will most likely fight like a nerdy accountant.

Hold your position as long as you can. If ammo runs out, run away. The
enemy will probably not follow quickly. Keep to your orders, though. If
you are to fight to the last man, then make plans to dig in and die. If
your overall objective is to advance, then look for a way to counter
attack. Future articles here will deal more specifically with the
fire-fight, and how to prepare a position in detail.
submitted by: Karl Welsch, 43er Sturm Pionier Bn.